CCA Employee Reaches Major Academic Milestone
Hard work, focus help him lead by example
Charlie Peterson proudly displays his undergraduate and graduate diplomas in his office
Icing on the cake – that's how North Georgia Detention Center assistant warden Charlie Peterson describes the master's degree he recently earned from Ashford University, based in Clinton, Iowa.
Peterson says earning an advanced degree has played an important role in his professional development, and he encourages colleagues to follow his lead. He enrolled in the online master's program in June 2010 and completed it in less than a year and a half, earning a degree in organizational management, with a concentration in human resources.
Having recently graduated with his bachelor's degree in sociology, Peterson decided to pursue a master's degree in order to grow even more professionally. He joined CCA in 1995 as a correctional officer at Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility in Nashville, Tenn., and has since held multiple leadership roles at four other CCA facilities.
"There were a couple of times when I was right at getting a promotion or new position, but because someone had a certain degree that I didn't have, they were selected instead," he says. "I wanted to earn a degree that was closely related to what I do now in corrections."
Through his master's program – which encompassed 11 courses – Peterson gained valuable knowledge about running an organization, managing people, pursuing innovation, welcoming entrepreneurship, maintaining business ethics, structuring compensation and benefits, and more.
"I took one class every six weeks," Peterson says. "I didn't have insight into many of these topics until I took those classes."
Peterson admits that balancing his career and family life with his educational pursuits was no easy feat; it took determination, drive and discipline.
"I was very familiar with the traditional classroom setting, so I was kind of leery about distance learning at first. I'd heard all these horror stories about how hard it is and that you have to be very structured to do it, but after the first couple of classes, I took a liking to it," he says. Because the online program allowed him the flexibility to work at his own pace, Peterson adds, it didn't interfere much with other obligations. Supportive family members and co-workers made the balancing act easier.
"My family was very understanding; my wife would help me wherever she could, whether it was proofreading my assignments, or getting things sent to warden at work. And my two girls – ages eight and 12 – were just patient."
Peterson often stayed up into the early morning hours to do school work before going to work, but co-workers generously helped him find time for personal responsibilities. All too often, though, Peterson says corrections professionals choose not to continue their education, and for many different reasons.
"Oftentimes, when people join corrections, they don't see the opportunities to advance – there are so many opportunities and different directions to go in besides working in a facility," he shares." A lot of staff don't realize how far you can go with a degree."
December 20, 2011
Sound Out
Bonnie Abernathy at NGDC:
Charlie-
We are all so proud of you for reaching this incredible milestone in your life! Way to go!!!
Dorothy Booker at NGDC:
Well AW Peterson this is truly a Blessing to accomplish this and still have a smile. This
encourage me to do more, continue to set the standard you are bless to be a blessing . You are always Fair , Firm and Consistence We all desire to go beyond the Brink. I so appreciate the personal approach you have we can talk to you about anything and you actually LISTEN...
Be Bless the only CM Booker
So
as you alway say
ROLL TIDE !!!!
Were Bless to Have you Here at
NORTH GEORGIA DETENTIN CTR
Andrea Willis at NGDC:
Congratulations! Way to set an example and encourage others.
Brandon Mathews at Crowley County Correctional Facility:
As a recent Master's grad myself I know how difficult the balancing act of work, family and school can be. I salute you in your accomplishment.
Congratulations on a job well done!
Lucrecia Dixon at Citrus County deyention Facility:
Congratulations AW Peterson on your incredible accomplishment !!! Your story has inspired.